The artwork titled “Untitled (Authenticated)”, created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1978, is a notable piece within the Neo-Expressionism art movement. This figurative artwork by Basquiat exemplifies his distinctive style and vibrant approach to the genre during the late 1970s.
The artwork features a single figure, depicted in a simplistic yet distorted manner that is characteristic of Basquiat’s early works. The figure appears to have uneven proportions, with disproportionately large facial features and hands. The face is expressive, marked by exaggerated eyes, a wide open mouth displaying teeth, and what appears to be a hat or helmet on the head. The figure is rendered in thin black lines on a stark white background, creating a striking contrast. Above the figure’s head, there is a thought bubble containing an abstract shape, possibly representing an object or another figure. The minimalistic approach and raw expression encapsulate the essence of Neo-Expressionism, highlighting emotional intensity and an unrefined, almost primitive style. The simplicity of the background directs full attention to the figure, emphasizing its surreal and unsettling nature.
